Bloomberg report: Minister reaffirms media's right to cite sources

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the cabinet meeting was not informed of any action to be taken by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim against international news agency Bloomberg.

He also reaffirmed the media’s right to quote anonymous sources but sought cooperation in upholding a right to reply.

“I feel nothing (to be acted on), and the prime minister has neither taken action nor informed the cabinet about it,” he said today when asked about Bloomberg’s report.

Last month, the US-based news agency published a report citing three anonymous sources who alleged that Anwar instructed MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki not to investigate the prime minister’s former aide Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak over his acquisition of shares in HeiTech Padu Bhd.

HeiTech Padu, a technology services provider, is linked to an RM1 billion project for a new immigration system.

In March, reports surfaced claiming that Farhash allegedly invested nearly RM40 million in HeiTech Padu after the company was shortlisted for the government contract.

The report also quoted sources claiming that Anwar directed the MACC to investigate former finance minister Daim Zainuddin as well as former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his sons.

The Prime Minister’s Office has strongly denied the claims.

Clickbait headlines

Fahmi further cautioned the media against using clickbait headlines that do not accurately reflect the content of the story.

Without naming any specific agency, the government spokesperson acknowledged the media’s right to report but urged them to uphold journalistic ethics and honour the “right to reply”.

“I’ve observed this, and it’s a critique not only from the cabinet but also from discussions on social media, where there’s often a mismatch between clickbait headlines and the actual content of the news.

“I won’t go into specifics, but I hope media colleagues can reflect on the appropriateness of their headline choices and ensure they align with the substance of the article.

“Ultimately, this is for the media to deliberate,” he concluded.

Media council

In July, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that her ministry is finalising the Malaysian Media Council which includes representatives from the media industry, academics, and the public.

The proposed media council aims to implement a code of reporting, empowering the nation’s journalism profession and ensuring responsible news reporting.

Cops to question Isham over call for PM to sue Bloomberg

MACC denial insufficient, Anwar must sue for defamation: Lawyer

Fadhli dares Anwar to sue Bloomberg over claim of halting Farhash probe